See

Saigon has a huge amount of things to see, but more important, we feel, is simply experiencing.

A lot of people view the cities of South East Asia as places to skip, places to pass through. We understand this, but beg you to think again. Give these places a chance and they will grow on you, especially Saigon – possibly the most unique city in the region.

Of course, see the motorbikes. It’ll be hard not to. Monday to Friday rush hours, from 5 to 6, mayhem ensues.

Early morning, before work, a lot of Saigon residents enjoy exercise on the streets, especially near the parks. Badminton, power walking and Tai Chi are amongst the things you will see.

District One

Most of the city’s major tourist attractions are in District One, to you, the city center. This means of course that most of the city’s tourists are in District One as well. It is where you will find French colonial charm in the form of classic hotels like the Continental and The Majestic, and other buildings such as the Hotel de Ville and the Notre Dame Cathedral. It’s where you will find Dong Khoi Street, the poshest street in the whole country, pleasantly lined with trees and boasting expensive boutiques and art galleries, with the odd cigarette seller thrown in. It also boasts the Independence Palace, the building that famously saw the tanks of the government crash through the gates to retake the city in ’75.

Then of course there’s Ben Thanh market — tourist mecca, exotic smells, and the chance to hone bargaining skills.

Museums include the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City (Ly Tu Trong) and the Fine Arts Museum.

The botanical gardens are an enjoyable stroll on a cool day, the zoo is not so amazing.

District Three

Most tourists probably don’t know they crossed into Distrcit Three when visiting the War Remnants Museum, but they have.

District Four

Just into District Four is the wonderful building of the Museum of Ho Chi Minh, sat right on the banks of the city.

District Five

District Five is part of the old city of Cholon, now linked together with Saigon. Cholon was a traditional Chinese settled area, hence the large number of pagodas. Generally just spending some time in this area of the city is very interesting. D5 is also home to the most modern shopping mall in the city, Huong Vuong Plaza (which also has the best movie theater, top floor). Connections man Jon has a great post on his blog about Distrcit Five here…).

If you are wondering what happened to District 2, don’t worry, there really isn’t much to see there! Unless one of our students takes you there, then it’ll be to show you something we don’t know about.

District 11

District 11 contains the cities most famous and oldest pagoda, Giac Lam. It is also home to the horse racing track and Dam Sen, an amuesment park featuring rides, a boating lake and a decent water park.

Other places not in your guidebook:

Well, that’s why you need to book an experience with us…!